In recognition of Anambra’s commitment to a digital future, the MD/CEO of Anambra State ICT Agency was selected by the US Consulate Lagos as part of the Reverse Trade Mission (RTM) Delegates on Cybersecurity, underscoring the Soludo’s administration’s commitment to delivering a digital Anambra, attracting collaborators and global attention.

Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, the MD/CEO of Anambra State ICT Agency, is part of a 9-man Nigerian delegation invited to the Access Africa: Nigeria and Ghana Financial Sector Cybersecurity Reverse Trade Mission (RTM) organized by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA).

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) is an independent U.S. government agency that promotes economic development and U.S. commercial interests in developing and middle-income countries. One of its key objectives is to link U.S. businesses to export opportunities by facilitating partnerships and connections with overseas projects.

USTDA is organizing the Reverse Trade Mission to foster collaboration between the United States and Nigeria/Ghana in financial sector cybersecurity.

From February 4th to 15th, 2024, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, CFA, will represent the state government in engagements across Washington DC, New York, NY, and Silicon Valley, CA. The focus is on exploring groundbreaking opportunities in the cybersecurity and finance sectors.

During this mission, Agbata will collaborate globally with U.S. companies, presenting the Anambra State Government’s cybersecurity objectives, initiatives, and avenues for collaboration.

Beyond presentations, the initiative offers networking opportunities for Agbata and other participants to connect, exchange ideas, and explore partnerships, showcasing Anambra’s commitment to fostering international relationships and ICT innovation.

The mission involves visits to over a dozen organizations in multiple cities of New York, DC, and Silicon Valley, CA, respectively.

Other members of the 9-man delegation from Nigeria include Mr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency, (NITDA), Dr. Olufemi Adeluyi from, National Talent Export Programme, NATEP, Mr. Tunbosun Alake, Commissioner, Lagos State Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Mr. Chibuzo Efobi, Director at Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. John Mago, Sterling bank, Mr. Oladejo Olawunmi, Director, Infrastructure Solutions and Mr. Romaric Sia, Chief Security Officer, United Bank for Africa, PLC.

Anambra State’s active role in shaping the future of cybersecurity and finance on the global stage is indeed commendable.

The study will facilitate Zipline’s goal of expanding its logistics services to make healthcare more accessible and affordable.

“Increasing access to healthcare is critical for West Africa. Our partnership with Zipline demonstrates the role that non-traditional models of healthcare access can play in addressing this need,” said Enoh Ebong, USTDA’s Director. “USTDA’s support for this project reflects the holistic approach that we are taking toward developing healthcare infrastructure and the important role that private sector companies can play in offering meaningful solutions.”

U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Ghana, Virginia Palmer, hosted the grant signing ceremony at the U.S. Embassy in Accra and this underscored the U.S. government’s resolve to increase bilateral trade and investment.

Palmer said: “The United States is committed to a strong partnership with Ghana that will grow the economies while improving and even saving peoples’ lives.

This project serves as an example of our whole-of-government approach, where USTDA worked closely with the U.S. Departments of Commerce and State, and USAID, to reach today’s important milestone with Zipline.”USTDA’s feasibility study will allow Zipline to assess the viability of expanding its healthcare logistics services into new geographic areas and developing new business models to build on its existing delivery systems. In addition to healthcare sector benefits, Zipline’s project is anticipated to increase access to e-commerce, postal, and agricultural products, and services in hard-to-reach areas, helping to stimulate local economies and reducing costs and time to access goods and services.“

Zipline has transformed the logistics and medical systems in the countries where we operate, helped save lives, and reduced negative environmental impact on the planet,” said Daniel Marfo,  Zipline’s Senior Vice President.

“This grant from USTDA will enable a feasibility study to assess the impact of expanding Zipline’s operations in Nigeria and Ghana so that we can help more communities and healthcare systems have access to critical items when they need it.”

This project advances a primary pillar of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, which aims to strengthen global health security